The Meaning of John 5:9 Explained

John 5:9

KJV: And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

YLT: and immediately the man became whole, and he took up his couch, and was walking, and it was a sabbath on that day,

Darby: And immediately the man became well, and took up his couch and walked: and on that day was sabbath.

ASV: And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  immediately  the man  was made  whole,  and  took up  his  bed,  and  walked:  and  on  the same  day  was  the sabbath. 

What does John 5:9 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The invalid experienced healing immediately. Jesus did instantly what God normally does slowly. When the man walked away carrying his Matthew , he testified to his healing. Normally we cannot immediately use muscles that we have not used for a long time because they atrophy, but this man had the full use of his muscles instantaneously. The prophets had predicted that when Messiah came He would heal the lame ( Isaiah 35:1-7). Here was proof for all Jerusalem to see that Messiah had appeared. He had healed a man whom sickness had bound for38 years.
By carrying his pallet on the Sabbath the man triggered a controversy. By commanding him to do so Jesus was responsible for the situation that followed. Indeed He deliberately created it. This probably explains in part why Jesus healed this particular man.

Context Summary

John 5:1-9 - Weakness Made Strength
An interval of some months lies between the previous chapter and this, in which many of the incidents of our Lord's Galilean life took place. John does not touch on them, because they had been described in the Synoptic Gospels, and because he wished to concentrate all his force on the great conflict which our Lord waged in Jerusalem, the stronghold of Jewish prejudice. He also chose the incidents which led to our Lord's discourses, and served as the text of his words.
The pool of Bethesda had medicinal properties. It was an intermittent spring. There must have been something in this man who lay at its brink which specially attracted Jesus. He saw that he had faith to be healed, and therefore made a direct challenge to the will of the sufferer. As soon as the appeal was made, he opened his heart to Christ's power. Through his expectant faith new energy poured into his being.
Are you a withered soul? Healing and wholeness are in Christ for you. Receive from Him the power that waits to flow through your wasted muscles. Believe that it is passing through you, and act accordingly. Spring to your feet, roll up your bed, and carry that which has so long carried you. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 5

1  Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years
10  The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it
17  He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,
31  of John,
36  of his works,
39  and of the Scriptures, who he is

Greek Commentary for John 5:9

Took up his bed and walked [ηρε τον κραβαττον αυτου και περιεπατει]
The same distinction in tenses in the same verbs preserved, punctiliar action in ηρε — ēre (first aorist active of αιρω — airō took it up at once) and linear act (imperfect active of περιπατεω — peripateō went on walking). The sabbath on that day The first of the violations of the Sabbath rules of the Jews by Jesus in Jerusalem that led to so much bitterness (cf. John 9:14, John 9:16). This controversy will spread to Galilee on Christ‘s return there (Mark 2:23-3:6; Matthew 12:1-14; Luke 6:1-11). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 5:9

John 3:32 Receiveth [λαμβάνει]
Once only John uses δέχομαι for receive, of the Galilaeans receiving Christ (John 4:45). The distinction between the two is not sharply maintained, but δέχομαι commonly adds to the idea of taking, that of welcoming. Thus Demosthenes says that the Theban elders did not receive ( ἐδέξαντο ) i.e., with a welcome pleasure, the money which was offered them, nor did they take it ( ἔλαβον ). Λαμβάνει also includes the retaining of what is taken. Hence of receiving Christ (John 1:12; John 5:43; John 13:20). The phrase receive the witness is peculiar to John (John 3:11; John 5:34; 1 John 5:9). [source]
John 1:19 This [αὕτη]
The following. This use of the pronoun, calling the reader's attention to what follows, and preparing him for it, is frequent in John. Sometimes the pronoun carries the sense of quality: of this character. See John 3:19; John 15:12; 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:9, 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:14. [source]
John 20:19 When therefore it was evening on that day [ουσης ουν οπσιας τηι ημεραι εκεινει]
Genitive absolute with οπσια — opsia John often uses this note of time (John 1:39; John 5:9; John 11:53; John 14:20; John 16:23, John 16:26). The addition of τηι μιαι σαββατων — tēi miāi sabbatōn (see John 20:1 for this use of μιαι — miāi like πρωτηι — prōtēi) proves that John is using Roman time, not Jewish, for here evening follows day instead of preceding it. When the doors were shut Genitive absolute again with perfect passive participle of κλειω — kleiō shut to keep the Jews out. News of the empty tomb had already spread (Matthew 28:11). See John 7:13 for the phrase “for fear of the Jews”; cf. John 12:42. Stood in the midst Second aorist (ingressive) active (intransitive) of ιστημι — histēmi “stepped into the midst.” Peace be unto you The usual oriental salutation as in John 20:21, John 20:26; Luke 24:36, here with probable reference to John 14:27 (Christ‘s legacy of peace). [source]
John 5:34 But the witness which I receive [Εγω δε ου την μαρτυριαν λαμβανω]
“But I do not receive the witness” simply from a man (like John). The εγω — egō (I) in sharp contrast with υμεις — humeis (ye) of John 5:33. Jesus complained of Nicodemus for not accepting his witness (John 3:11). Cf. also John 3:32. In 1 John 5:9 the witness of God is greater than that of men and this Jesus has. That ye may be saved Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of σωζω — sōzō This was the purpose of Christ‘s coming, that the world might be saved (John 3:17). [source]
John 5:37 He hath borne witness [εκεινος μεμαρτυρηκεν]
Εκεινος — Ekeinos (that one; cf. John 5:35, John 5:38), not αυτος — autos Perfect active indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō the direct witness of the Father, besides the indirect witness of the works. Jesus is not speaking of the voice of the Father at his baptism (Mark 1:11), the transfiguration (Mark 9:7), nor even at the time of the visit of the Greeks (John 12:28). This last voice was heard by many who thought it was thunder or an angel. The language of Jesus refers to the witness of the Father in the heart of the believers as is made plain in 1 John 5:9, 1 John 5:10. God‘s witness does not come by audible “voice” Cf. John 1:18; John 6:46; 1 John 4:12. Ακηκοατε — Akēkoate is perfect active indicative of ακουω — akouō to hear, and εωρακατε — heōrakate is perfect active indicative of οραω — horaō to see. It is a permanent state of failure to hear and see God. The experience of Jacob in Peniel (Genesis 32:30) was unusual, but Jesus will say that those who have seen him have seen the Father (John 14:9), but here he means the Father‘s “voice” and “form” as distinct from the Son. [source]
1 John 5:6 And it is the Spirit that beareth witness [καὶ τὸ πνεῦμά ἐστιν τὸ μαρτυροῦν]
Lit., and the Spirit is that which is bearing witness. Note the present tense, beareth witness, and compare 1 John 5:9, hath born witness. The witness is present and continuous in the Church, in the sacraments for instance, in water and in blood. Witnessing is the peculiar office of the Spirit. See John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8sqq. See on John 1:7. [source]
1 John 1:7 Of Jesus Christ His Son []
Omit Christ. The human name, Jesus, shows that His blood is available for man. The divine name, His Son, shows that it is efficacious. I shall be rendering a service to students of John's Epistles by giving, in a condensed form, Canon Westcott's note, classifying the several names of our Lord and their uses in the Epistles. The name in John, as in the Bible elsewhere, has two distinct, but closely connected meanings. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. The Revelation of the Divine Being by a special title. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. The whole sum of the manifold revelations gathered up so as to form one supreme revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The latter sense is illustrated in 3 John 1:7, where “the name” absolutely includes the essential elements of the Christian creed, the complete revelation of Christ's work in relation to God and man. Compare John 20:31; Acts 5:41. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 2:12, the term is more limited, referring to Christ as He lived on earth and gave Himself for “the brethren.” In 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:13, the exact sense is defined by what follows. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Actual Names Used. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(I.) His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:20. The divine antecedent is differently described in each case, and the difference colors the phrase. In 1 John 1:2-3, the Father (compare 1John href="/desk/?q=1jo+3:23&sr=1">1 John 3:23, God. In 1 John 5:20, He that is true. Thus the sonship of Christ is regarded in relation to God as Father, as God, and as satisfying the divine ideal which man is able to form. The whole phrase, His Son Jesus Christ, includes the two elements of the confessions which John makes prominent. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. Jesus is the Son of God (John 4:15; John 5:5). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Jesus is the Christ (John 2:22; John 5:1). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The constituents of the compressed phrase are all used separately by John. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(1.) Jesus. 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 4:3(where the correct reading omits Christ). The thought is that of the Lord in His perfect historic humanity. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(2.) Christ. 2 John 1:9. Pointing to the preparation made under the old covenant. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(3). Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:1; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1:7. Combining the ideas of true humanity and messianic position. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 4:15, the reading is doubtful: Jesus or Jesus Christ. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
On 1 John 4:2, see note. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(4.) The Son. 1 John 2:22, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 2:24; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 5:12. The absolute relation of Sonship to Fatherhood. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(5.) The Son of God. 1 John 3:8; 1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20. Compare His Son (1 John 4:10; 1 John 5:9), where the immediate antecedent is ὁ Θεός Godand 1 John 5:18, He that was begotten of God. Combination of the ideas of Christ's divine dignity and divine sonship. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(6.) Jesus His (God's) Son. 1 John 1:7. Two truths. The blood of Christ is available and efficacious. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(7). His (God's) Son, His only Son. 1 John 4:9. The uniqueness of the gift is the manifestation of love. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The Son in various forms is eminently characteristic of the First and Second Epistles, in which it occurs more times than in all Paul's Epistles. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Κύριος Lordis not found in the Epistles (omit from 2 John 1:3), but occurs in the Gospel, and often in Revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The expression, the blood of Jesus His Son, is chosen with a profound insight. Though Ignatius uses the phrase blood of God yet the word blood is inappropriate to the Son conceived in His divine nature. The word Jesus brings out His human nature, in which He assumed a real body of flesh and blood, which blood was shed for us.Cleanseth ( καθαρίζει )See on Mark 7:19. Not only forgives but removes. Compare Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:13sq.; Hebrews 9:22sq.; Ephesians 5:26sq.; Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:3. Compare also 1 John 1:9, where, forgive ( ἀφῇ ) and cleanse ( καθαρίσῃ ) occur, with an obvious difference of meaning. Note the present tense cleanseth. The cleansing is present and continuous. Alexander (Bishop of Derry) cites a striking passage from Victor Hugo (“Le Parricide”). The usurper Canute, who has had a share in his father's death, expiring after a virtuous and glorious reign, walks towards the light of heaven. But first he cuts with his sword a shroud of snow from the top of Mt. Savo. As he advances towards heaven, a cloud forms, and drop by drop his shroud is soaked with a rain of blood.All sin ( πάσης ἁμαρτίας )The principle of sin in all its forms and manifestations; not the separate manifestations. Compare all joy (James 1:2); all patience (2 Corinthians 7:12); all wisdom (Ephesians 1:8); all diligence (2 Peter 1:5). [source]

1 John 5:10 In him [εν αυτωι]
“In himself,” though the evidence is not decisive between αυτωι — hautōi and αυτωι — autōi made Perfect active indicative of ποιεω — poieō like μεμαρτυρηκεν — memarturēken and πεπιστευκεν — pepisteuken permanent state.A liar (πσευστην — pseustēn). As in 1 John 1:10, which see.Because he hath not believed Actual negative reason with negative ου — ou not the subjective reason as in John 3:18, where we have οτι μη πεπιστευκεν — hoti mē pepisteuken). The subjective negative is regular with ο μη πιστευων — ho mē pisteuōn Relative clause here repeats close of 1 John 5:9. [source]
1 John 5:10 Because he hath not believed [οτι ου πεπιστευκεν]
Actual negative reason with negative ου — ou not the subjective reason as in John 3:18, where we have οτι μη πεπιστευκεν — hoti mē pepisteuken). The subjective negative is regular with ο μη πιστευων — ho mē pisteuōn Relative clause here repeats close of 1 John 5:9. [source]

What do the individual words in John 5:9 mean?

And immediately became well the man he took up the mat of him began to walk It was now Sabbath on that - day
Καὶ εὐθέως ἐγένετο ὑγιὴς ἄνθρωπος ἦρεν τὸν κράβαττον αὐτοῦ περιεπάτει Ἦν δὲ σάββατον ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

εὐθέως  immediately 
Parse: Adverb
Root: εὐθέως  
Sense: straightway, immediately, forthwith.
ἐγένετο  became 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ὑγιὴς  well 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ὑγιής  
Sense: sound.
ἄνθρωπος  man 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.
ἦρεν  he  took  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: αἴρω  
Sense: to raise up, elevate, lift up.
κράβαττον  mat 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: κράβαττος 
Sense: a pallet, camp bed (a rather simple bed holding only one person).
αὐτοῦ  of  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
περιεπάτει  began  to  walk 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: περιπατέω  
Sense: to walk.
Ἦν  It  was 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
σάββατον  Sabbath 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: σάββατον  
Sense: the seventh day of each week which was a sacred festival on which the Israelites were required to abstain from all work.
ἐκείνῃ  that 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκεῖνος  
Sense: he, she it, etc.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἡμέρᾳ  day 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.